Policy dialogue draws youngsters

Hanoi (VNA) – A dialogue on policies for youngsters was held in Hanoi on August 12 as part of a meeting in response to International Youth Day.

The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the United Nations (UN) at the Green One UN House.

Young people are considered active contributors to the implementation of the national agenda programme on sustainable development through 2030, participants said.

They however, noted that young people’s ideas and viewpoints have not been seriously recognised, which does not benefit the young while wasting their creativity and potentials, thus affecting the building of a better future for all.

Director of the Department of Youth Affairs under the Ministry of Home Affairs Vu Dang Minh said it is necessary to listen to young people’s opinions and empower them by creating opportunities for the young to demonstrate their ability and contribute to the country.

UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Pratibha Mehta said the sustainable development goals are for future generations, so it is important to comprehend their viewpoints.

Young people should be enabled to engage in policy making as well as inspect its process, she said, recommending the elimination of preconceptions about age and gender.

She pledged that UN agencies will support young Vietnamese and nurture their dreams, contributing to Vietnam’s development.

UN agencies will assist the Vietnamese Government with building a system of policies and essential institutions to help youngsters develop a start-up and innovative spirit, she confirmed.

Vietnam is in a golden population period with around 25 million youngsters aged between 16 and 30 years, accounting for more than one quarter of the country’s total population.-VNA